April 2025
Dan Brown
Partner, Planning and Infrastructure Economics | KPMG
"I believe that AITPM plays a crucial role in providing a platform for the sharing of knowledge across the industry, as a key input in the professional development of all within the industry, particularly for emerging professionals"
What is your current involvement with AITPM?
I am on the National Board as the QLD member elected representative.
How has your involvement as a member/volunteer grown with AITPM?
Over a number of years, my involvement has evolved from attending events, presenting at technical seminars, hosting and sponsoring events, joining the Qld branch committee during Covid times, with a baptism of fire helping to deliver the inaugural online conference, through to helping run local events. With the change to the structure and role of the national board, I saw it as an opportunity to contribute beyond the state boundaries while still representing the interests of QLD members.
What motivates you to volunteer or involve yourself with AITPM?
Two factors motivate me to volunteer with AITPM. Firstly, I believe that AITPM plays a crucial role in providing a platform for the sharing of knowledge across the industry, as a key input in the professional development of all within the industry, particularly for emerging professionals. Secondly AITPM plays a key role in providing networking opportunities, connecting the industry from public, private and the education sectors – networks that are relevant through an entire career. Some of my closest friends and colleagues stem from relationships that started at AITPM!
How has your involvement with AITPM benefited you personally and professionally?
As mentioned above, some of my closest friends and colleagues started as contacts made through AITPM. Both on a personal and professional level this has provided an opportunity for growth.AITPM has enabled connections that have led to significant opportunities for myself and my employer
What has been a memorable experience from your time with AITPM? And why was it so memorable?
Being part of the team that delivered the first online technical conference was quite a learning experience. Our first taste of Zoom, coordinating technical content delivery and the online Q&A, wasn’t an easy introduction to running AITPM events, but it was a successful event that has become part of the AITPM DNA. I have always really enjoyed hosting AITPM events, either in person or online, as we are so fortunate to have such a wide range of excellent and passionate people who want to contribute to the industry.
Have you gained any skills whilst being involved with AITPM? How have these skills influenced your career or shaped the way you view the industry? What are your plans for the future?
My involvement with AITPM has introduced me to many people across the industry, not just in my home state of QLD but right across the country. This has provided significant career opportunities as well as opportunities to grow my business.
What value has your employer gained from your engagement with AITPM? (if any)
As an employer, I always encourage staff to attend events and get involved as much as possible. It is such a valuable and relevant learning platform,m and the connections made can lead to great growth opportunities.
What would you say to transport professionals considering getting involved with AITPM? Do you have any words of wisdom for Emerging Professionals starting out in the industry?
I would strongly encourage participation from all levels of professionals, but for emerging professionals I would suggest it is so important to grow networks, grow technical capability and understanding.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your AITPM journey? Or your journey within the transport industry?
Perhaps I am biased, but I don’t think there is any industry quite like the transport & traffic community! I like to think that AITPM is a ”broad church” that provides benefits for the whole industry. This relies on input from many, not because there is a large effort required (which there is) but because we need to make sure that the volunteer opportunities reflect the diversity of the membership and industry.